Pompey Puddleducks ‘Beside the Seaside’ Camp September rushed up on us again and thoughts of what the weather would be doing. Believe it or not the campsite flooded in late August, hence we were unable to accept campers on the Tuesday as the tractor was busy with its new deeper-bladed turf-slitting implement. So did it rain? Yes, a tiny bit on Wednesday before most people arrived and I think a little bit on Saturday afternoon—but nothing to bother about.

I got the caravan, tent and Alison’s tent up on Wednesday with Barry’s help and then Margaret approached wielding a pair of scissors and I had to have my annual ‘West Wittering’ haircut. Thursday saw more campers arriving and we got the party tent erected. Fran had spent months collecting goody bag ‘bits’ and now Lynda, Mike, Heather and Phil spent a happy hour or so assembling them. Colin arrived with the big party tent and Tony supervised that one emerging from its bags on Friday morning. We also got the tent up for the band.

Friday evening we had our usual four soups and a buffet. The soups, from Pam and Peter M, were followed by an excellent buffet put on by Debbie and Rob (Debbie’s Mum providing the transport), with additions of quiches from Brenda, salad stuff from Mike, gateaux from Lee bakery, and cake from Claire and Alison. What was left went into the fridge and was available for people to nibble on Saturday. Whilst Gillian was busy extracting money from new arrivals and giving out the goody bags, Lynda managed to take a record amount selling raffle tickets.

Giant Jellyfish invades Puddleducks ‘Beside the Seaside’ Camp using it’s knowledge of French to home in on Roche Mazet, unaware it is not a rock but actually 3 litres of Cabernet Sauvignon. Wins Fancy Dress prize and stays all weekend.

Saturday morning the convoy went off to Stanstead House. The actual house was closed for a wedding but there was plenty to do and see and I think most people went for a train ride in the extensive gardens.

The Puddleducks campsite was visited by management on Friday and we were given a clean ‘bill’ of health. They wouldn’t stay for the bbq for some reason but did come back on Sunday (below) to monitor the removal of a l l s u r p l u s crumbs from the site.

Saturday afternoon the Puddleduck shop was open and various games were in progress. Pam’s bags were already strung up in the main tent and Barry (Barry and Cynthia Barry) set up his frog racing game, shortly followed by Pam and her seaside version of wellie wanging. This was a steep learning curve—throwing a plastic spade into a plastic bucket and getting it to stay in there is not an easy task!Saturday afternoon the Puddleduck shop was open and various games were in progress. Pam’s bags were already strung up in the main tent and Barry (Barry and Cynthia Barry) set up his frog racing game, shortly followed by Pam and her seaside version of wellie wanging. This was a steep learning curve—throwing a plastic spade into a plastic bucket and getting it to stay in there is not an easy task! ​